The problem on public transportation must be viewed from the wider and more serious issue of health due to air pollution which is caused by thousands of vehicles.
Thus, the simple answer is to reduce the number of smoke-belching vehicles.
Here’s how:
The public utility vehicle modernization program should be implemented asap—but including buses and vans.
Replace old buses with new double-decker buses—a reduction by half without sacrificing capacity.
Add point-to-point double-decker buses and vans.
Start operating the Department of Science and Technology’s bus-train.
Make MRT-3 100-percent operational asap.
Decentralize government centers and move these to Sta. Rosa, Cavite or Clark.
During peak hours, add one to two lanes (from the opposite side of Edsa) for car pools.
For long-term (5-10 years) solutions:
Build another Edsa on top of the present one to double capacity.
Build another MRT-3 on top of the present one. This may be less costly than a subway.
Develop the countryside to depopulate Metro Manila by half. Build infrastructure, factories, etc. there to
encourage non-Metro Manila natives to return to their hometowns.
Develop alternate commuter modes: helicopter and river fast-track catamarans (like Iloilo’s).
Encourage solar and hybrid vehicles via the certificate of entitlement system (like Singapore).
Ban gas-powered vehicles!
AMADO MUNDA, dinkymunda@gmail.com